Palm tree mulch as substrate for primary treatment wetlands processing high strength urban wastewater

The life span of subsurface flow treatment wetlands is determined by the clogging of the substrate. Thus, the influent should undergo primary treatment to reduce loadings of suspended solids and dissolved organic matter. An-organic based substrate should be less prone to clogging because of its remarkably higher porosity and plasticity. Mulch obtained from branches of the Canarian palm tree (Phoenix canariensis) has been tested as substrate for mixed flow, intermittently fed treatment wetland mesocosms processing high strength urban wastewater. The effect of the presence of plants (Phragmites and Cyperus), influent pressure and hydraulic loading rate was studied. The best removals (SS: 89%, COD: 77%, turbidity: 82%) have been obtained with planted reactors treating highly concentrated influents at the lower hydraulic loading rates tested. The palm tree mulch units achieved similar removals of SS, COD and turbidity to one having gravel as substrate and planted with common reed. Mulch obtained from stems of giant reed (Arundo donax) provided similar removals of SS and turbidity but that of COD was lower. The combination of organic-based TWs with gravel-based ones provided high removals (SS: 95%, COD: 78%, turbidity: 95%) while the risk of clogging was strongly reduced.